Hospital Discharge Checklist for Family Carers in the UK

When someone you care for is leaving hospital, the first day home can become stressful quickly if medicines, equipment, transport or follow-up arrangements are unclear. A discharge checklist gives you a structured way to ask what needs to be in place before the person leaves.

This guide supports, rather than replaces, the hospital’s discharge process. The person’s wishes and consent remain central to decisions about who is involved in their care.

1. Confirm where the person is going

Make sure everyone understands whether the person is returning home, moving temporarily to another setting or receiving rehabilitation or reablement support. NHS guidance explains that discharge planning should consider the person’s needs and any care required after leaving hospital. See planning to leave hospital.

2. Ask what support will be needed at home

Clarify help with washing, dressing, meals, mobility, wound care, exercises, medication or other tasks. Do not assume a family carer can safely provide clinical or physical care they have not been trained to do.

3. Check the medicine list carefully

Ask for a clear current list showing what to take and when. Find out whether any medicines were stopped or changed in hospital, how much supply is being provided and how repeat prescriptions will be managed. Remove outdated lists from the main care folder once you know the new plan is correct.

4. Ask about equipment and devices

If the person needs a walking aid, commode, dressing supplies, monitoring device or other equipment, confirm who is providing it and whether you have been shown how to use it safely. NHS discharge guidance stresses that people sent home with a medical device should understand how to use it and where to get help or supplies.

5. Confirm follow-up arrangements

Write down appointments, expected phone calls, community visits and any tests still pending. Ask who is responsible for each next step rather than assuming the GP will automatically arrange everything.

6. Know who to contact if there is a problem

Before leaving, ask what symptoms or changes should prompt advice and which number or service to use. The appropriate route may vary depending on the operation, illness or local service.

7. Plan transport and access to the home

Confirm how the person will get home, who has keys and whether they can safely get through the entrance and reach a suitable place to rest. If stairs or mobility are likely to be a problem, raise this before discharge rather than discovering it at the front door.

8. Prepare food and basic supplies

Have suitable food, drinks and essential household items available. If eating or drinking has changed because of swallowing problems, surgery or another medical reason, follow the healthcare team’s instructions rather than general online nutrition advice.

9. Be realistic about what you can provide

Carers UK advises carers to consider what level of support they are able to give and to raise concerns during discharge planning. Its coming out of hospital checklist covers what should happen before, on and after discharge.

10. Make a backup plan

If the main carer becomes ill or unavailable, who can step in? Keep essential contacts, medicine information and care instructions accessible to the person who may need them. Our Family Carers & Home Recovery guide explains how to create a simple care-information sheet and contingency plan.